Marian Rogan, Jenny Condrick and Loretta Smith all donned their race day best and even had their own version of Flemington Racecourse roses and the trophy itself adorning the deli counter, to put shoppers in a Melbourne Cup Day mood.

When asked for her pick as to who would win the race, Mrs Rogan said she – like many of us – wasn’t even familiar with who was running, but that wasn’t going to stop her throwing herself into the theme. Many once-a-year punters are letting the sweeps determine who they will be barracking for to cross the line first, second or third, hoping to at least get their investment back.